Menopause is an unavoidable stage of every woman’s life. Like puberty, this transitional period is marked by a series of physiological and hormonal changes. Alongside a host of other symptoms brought on by menopause, many women experience significant changes to their skin.

What is menopause?

Menopause is marked by the end of monthly menstruation and loss of fertility. This natural process occurs when the production of female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, declines.

While most women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, some may experience it earlier or later in life. It is a gradual, multi-year process that occurs in three stages:

1. Perimenopause is the period before menopause. During this phase, estrogen levels begin to fluctuate, which can lead to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, and mood swings.
2. Menopause is defined as the complete and permanent cessation of menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months.
3. Postmenopause is the final stage of menopause. During this phase, many menopause symptoms get milder or go away, but others, such as skin aging, become more pronounced.

How does menopause affect the skin?

Pendant la ménopause, sous l’effet de la diminution des niveaux d’hormones féminines, il est possible d’observer des changements sur la peau :

During menopause, falling hormone levels can cause changes in the skin such as the following:

• A loss of elasticity due to decreased collagen and elastin production.
• Dry skin caused by decreased production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil.
• Fine lines and wrinkles. As the epidermis thins and loses its moisture and suppleness, wrinkles can form.
• Sensitivity and irritation. The skin barrier, which acts as the skin’s first line of defence, weakens. This makes the skin more sensitive to external irritants and allergens.
• Age spots. These dark spots are caused by an overproduction of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin colour). Sun exposure also plays an important role in the development of age spots, as they usually appear on parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face and the back of the hands.
• Loss of volume. Hyaluronic acid production declines during menopause, making skin less plump.
• Weakening of the skin barrier. Hormone fluctuations can disrupt skin function, making the skin drier and more prone to irritation.

What are the key components of a skincare routine for menopausal women?

To keep your skin looking bright and healthy through all phases of menopause, you’ll need an appropriate skincare routine.

Sun protection

Applying sun protection year-round is one of the most important things you can do to prevent skin damage. Unprotected exposure to UV rays from the sun can damage two critical skin proteins: collagen and elastin. This damage can increase the risk of skin cancer and cause wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging to appear prematurely.

Collagen gives skin its firmness and strength.

Elastin, on the other hand, allows the skin to spring back into place after being stretched or deformed.

After menopause, skin tends to become more sun-sensitive, thinner, and more prone to UV damage, making sun protection even more important.

Look for broad-spectrum products with an SPF of at least 30 for the best protection. Many pharmacies and beauty stores also carry face sunscreens specifically designed for wear under moisturizers and makeup.

Antioxidants

Other skincare products target early signs of aging. Antioxidants play an important role in protecting against external aggressors such as pollution and skin irritants. Look for products containing the following ingredients:

• Vitamin C: Has particularly potent antioxidant power and helps protect skin from damage, brighten skin tone, even out skin texture, and stimulate collagen production for firmer, more luminous skin
• Vitamin E: Calms inflammation, protects the skin, helps strengthen the skin barrier, and locks in moisture
• Retinol: Helps stimulate collagen production, accelerate cell turnover, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles
• Bakuchiol extract: Confers many of the same benefits as retinol, but is gentler on sensitive skin

Moisturizers

Moisturizers are great for helping skin stay elastic and supple.

During perimenopause, it’s best to choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that provides deep hydration without clogging pores. The goal is to avoid overloading the skin with heavy products while still keeping it hydrated. Here are a few ingredients to look for:

• Hyaluronic acid retains moisture, keeping skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
• Known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, aloe vera is lightweight and non-greasy, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to avoid heavier products.
• Some oils, such as jojoba and grapeseed oil, are lightweight and quickly absorbed by the skin, providing moisture without leaving a greasy film.
• Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce moisture loss, and improve skin texture.

In the menopause and postmenopause stages, low estrogen levels often cause dry skin. During these phases, your skin may need heavier, more nourishing skincare products. Here are some ingredients to look for:

• Shea butter: This plant-based ingredient is naturally high in essential fatty acids and vitamins, making it a deeply nourishing moisturizer for dry, mature skin.
• Argan oil: High in fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil helps restore the skin barrier, retain moisture, and minimize dryness.
• Coconut oil: This highly moisturizing oil is soothing and nourishing, making it ideal for dry, irritated skin.
• Hyaluronic acid: Lightweight yet potent, this ingredient is great for keeping skin hydrated, supple, and plump, both during and after menopause.

How do you put together a skincare routine?

What kind of products should you buy? How do you use them? What order do you apply them in? Here’s an example of what a comprehensive anti-aging routine might look like:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove impurities, excess sebum, and makeup without irritating the skin.
2. Twice a week, use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, stimulate cell renewal, and help other skincare products absorb more efficiently.
3. Apply an anti-aging serum to target signs of aging.
4. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
5. Apply targeted products, such as eye creams or firming treatments, for any specific skincare concerns.
6. Finally, apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and prevent dryness.
7. Products containing peptides can also be highly beneficial. Peptides help stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity.

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